Alaska health officials have been alerted to an unusual virus that is causing rare and mild illnesses in the Fairbanks area for nine years. But a recent case in another part of the state, this one resulted in the death of a man, has brought new attention to the so-called Alaskanpox virus.
What is Alaskapox?
Alaskapox is one of the family of brick-shaped viruses that can infect both animals and humans. These bugs, known as orthopoxviruses, tend to cause lesions, or pox, on the skin. Each has distinct characteristics, and some are viewed as more dangerous than others.
Smallpox is perhaps the most famous of the lot, but other family members include camelpox, cowpox, horsepox and mpox — formerly known as monkeypox.
Alaskapox was discovered in 2015 in a woman who lived near Fairbanks, Alaska. It has mainly been found in small mammals, including red-backed voles and shrews. But pets, such as dogs and cats, may also carry the virus, health officials say.
In the past nine years, seven individuals, all from Alaska, have been infected with it.
What are the symptoms of Alaskapox?
Alaskapox can lead to the development of bumps or pustules on the skin, joint or muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes in people.
Nearly all patients had mild illnesses that resolved on their own after a few weeks. But people with weakened immune systems can be at risk of more severe illnesses.
How does Alaskapox spread?
According to officials, Alaskapox spreads by means of contact with infected animals.
There has been no evidence that it has spread from one person to another. But other viruses in the same family can spread when one person comes in contact with another person’s lesions, so Alaska health officials are advising anyone with an Alaskapox lesion to cover it with a bandage.
What happened in the latest case?
Alaska health officials are aware of seven people infected with Alaskapox since the virus was discovered, but the latest case represents the first time someone is known to have died from it.
The elderly man, who lived in the Kenai Peninsula, was being treated for cancer and had a suppressed immune system due to the drugs. In September, he noticed a red sore under his right armpit and went to see doctors over the next two months due to fatigue and burning pain. He was hospitalized in November and died last month, according to a bulletin last week from Alaska public health officials.
The man resided in a remote forested area and avoided traveling. He had been repeatedly scratched by a stray cat that hunted small animals, and one of the scratches was in the area of the man’s armpit, officials said.
How can I protect myself and my pets?
Alaskapox is a rare illness that in most cases causes relatively mild symptoms, according to health officials.
That said, wildlife can carry infections risks. Health officials recommend keeping pets and family members safe by keeping a safe distance and washing your hands after being outdoors. It’s important to avoid keeping wildlife as pets.